Pope Francis has launched a new program called "Code with Pope" to help bridge the gap in disparities between poorer Catholic countries and wealthier ones.
That's right. The pope knows how to code (at least a little).
The idea is that the Catholic Church will help poorer people learn how to write computer code, so they can go get jobs in wealthier areas.
"The initiative will champion access to coding education through a free online learning platform for students aged 11-15 across Europe, Africa and Latin America."
Of course, now that AI is disrupting the computer coding industry, it seems like one of the worst times in the history of computers to start down that path.
Because while AI still gets stuck in the uncanny valley when it comes to art and makes up a bunch of nonsense when it comes to writing, it does do pretty well at generating a bit of computer code to do what you want.
A commemorative plaque shown on the app screen was blessed by Pope Francis, which read: "Computer science empowers young people to create peace in their communities. Everyone should learn how to harness technology, to use their creative power for peace."
Just what the world needed: A virtual plaque blessed by the holy pontiff!
This initiative is being rolled out in partnership with an AI company. Back to the BBC:
A Polish tech entrepreneur's global project, aimed at getting more children into computer programming, has been endorsed by Pope Francis.
Miron Mironiuk, founder of artificial intelligence company Cosmose AI, is drawing on his own experience of coding transforming his life.
Students will spend 60 hours learning Python, one of the most popular coding programs.
Pretty cool, but if I could put on my Martin Luther hat for a moment...
(Hey, it's almost Reformation Day, I have to!]
If the pope really wanted to help poor people out of disparity, he'd preach the exclusivity of the Gospel and how the free gift of Jesus Christ is our only hope for eternity at least as much as he does these social programs!
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